Lighting Fixture

ABSTRACT

A light emitting diode (LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture includes: a lighting strip comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged along a length of the lighting strip; a first multi-faceted side wall reflector extending from a first side of the lighting strip at an angle such that the first multi-faceted side wall reflector extends along an entire length of the lighting strip and away from a bottom portion of a light emitting portion of each of the light emitting diodes (LEDs); and a second multi-faceted side wall reflector extending from a second, opposite side of the lighting strip at an angle such that the second multi-faceted side wall reflector extends along an entire length of the lighting strip away from the bottom portion of the light emitting portion of each of the light emitting diodes (LEDs). The first and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors cause light produced by the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to be amplified and formed into a uniform beam.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/341,798, filed Dec. 22, 2008, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/015,713 entitled “LightingFixture” filed Dec. 21, 2007, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/094,558 entitled “Lighting Fixture with Improved Cover and MountingAssembly” filed Sep. 5, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/094,571 entitled “Reflectors for Use with a Lighting Fixture” filedSep. 5, 2008, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates, in general, to lighting fixtures(luminaires) that utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light sourceand, more particularly, to lighting fixtures incorporating LEDsconfigured in a manner to amplify and direct light produced by suchlighting fixtures.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional lighting fixtures such as streetlights and office lightshave typically utilized incandescent, halogen, or fluorescent bulbs toprovide light. The use of incandescent and halogen bulbs has beenproblematic in a number of ways. First, incandescent light bulbs arevery energy inefficient. A large percentage of the energy incandescentlight bulbs consume is released as heat, rather than light. Althoughfluorescent bulbs are more efficient than incandescent light bulbs,fluorescent bulbs raise environmental concerns, and are still veryinefficient when compared to LEDs or other similar solid state lightemitters.

Additionally, incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs have short lifespans when compared to solid state emitters. This requires lightingdevices to be replaced more frequently. Such short life spans areparticularly more problematic when used in overhead lighting in officebuildings or in streetlights, where access may be difficult. Replacementis not only time consuming, but can be dangerous.

Furthermore, the unwanted heat produced in these lighting systems addsnot only to additional energy costs but may also requires additional airconditioning to lower the temperature of the area lit by the system. Forexample, in large buildings, overhead lighting is typically provided bylights placed near the ceiling and directed downward. These buildingsoften require additional air conditioning to compensate for this energyproduced as heat.

Although solid state emitters, such as LEDs, are known to be more energyefficient, LEDs have not been considered in the past as an option forproviding quality light in many applications, such as streetlights andoffice lighting systems, because LEDs do not provide enough useful lightat a distance. Moreover, LEDs are a new technology, and therefore aremore expensive. Accordingly, extending the use of LEDs is a particularlydesirable goal. More recently, high-powered LEDs have been developed,thereby providing useful light output for incorporating LEDs intolighting fixtures for use as streetlights and office lights. However,the use of LEDs in such lighting fixtures typically requires a largenumber of LEDs clustered closely together to provide useful lightoutput. Accordingly, lighting fixtures incorporating LEDs in this mannergenerate a large amount of heat energy when the LEDs emit light. Thisheat energy has to be dissipated. If this heat energy is not effectivelyremoved, the high temperature caused by the heat energy will reduce theluminance and life span of the LEDs. Therefore, each of theforegoing-described lighting fixtures requires a complex heatdissipating mechanism to adequately remove the heat energy produced bythe large number of LEDs.

In view of the foregoing, a need exists for a lighting fixture for use,for example, as a streetlight or an office light that utilizes a minimalnumber of LEDs to produce useful light at a distance without creatingexcessive heat within the lighting fixture. A further need exists for anLED lighting fixture having a relatively simple heat dissipatingmechanism. A need also exists for an LED lighting fixture thataccomplishes amplified lighting with the use of a minimal number ofLEDs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As described in detail herein, a lighting fixture for use, for example,as a streetlight or an office light is disclosed and which providesuseful light at a distance using only a small number of LEDs. Such alight fixture incorporates a relatively simple heat dissipatingmechanism in accordance with this disclosure. In one embodiment, a lightemitting diode (LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture isprovided. The LED arrangement includes a lighting strip having aplurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a reflector that can bemounted to the lighting strip comprising multi-faceted side wallsextending away from the light strip. Each of the light emitting diodesdesirably has a diode base and a light emitting portion. Themulti-faceted side walls of the reflector cause light produced by theplurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to be amplified and formedinto a uniform beam.

The lighting strip may also include an electrical connector that allowsthe lighting strip to be operatively connected to a power supply, suchas through driver circuitry and control circuitry. The reflector may beconstructed from silver-coated aluminum with a protective polymercoating. The plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) may be arrangedin a linear row.

The side walls of the reflector may be configured to extend away from abase member that defines a plurality of openings receiving at least thelight emitting portion of the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs),respectively. The side walls may be formed integral with the basemember. The multi-faceted side walls may comprise multi-angle sidewalls. As an example, the side walls may include a first portiondefining a first angle with the light emitting portion of the pluralityof light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a second portion defining a secondangle with the first portion. The first angle and second angle may bedifferent angles.

Alternatively, the side walls of the reflector may extend away from abase member and may be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry that runsthrough a center of the base member. In addition, the side walls mayextend away from a base member and each have a plurality of anglesformed therein. The side walls may each comprise a first portiondefining a first angle with the base member and a second portiondefining a second angle with the first portion. The first angle andsecond angle may be different angles. The multi-faceted side walls mayinclude multi-angle side walls.

Another embodiment is directed to a light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture. The lighting fixture includes a base plate having a front sideand a rear side. A plurality of lighting strips is mounted on the frontside of the base plate. A reflector is mounted to each of the lightingstrips and comprises multi-faceted side walls extending away from thelight strip. The lighting strips are interconnected with a power supplythrough driver circuitry and control circuitry. For example, the powersupply may be mounted to the rear side of the base plate within anenclosure, and may be connected to control circuitry, which is connectedto driver circuitry, which is electrically coupled to the plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs). Each of the lighting strips includes aplurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), and each of the lightemitting diodes desirably has a diode base and a light emitting portion.The multi-faceted side walls cause light produced by the plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs) to be amplified and formed into a uniformbeam. The plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in each of thelighting strips may be arranged in a linear row.

The reflector may be constructed from silver-coated aluminum with aprotective polymer coating. The side walls may be configured to extendaway from a base member defining a plurality of openings receiving atleast the light emitting portion of the plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs), respectively. The side walls may include a first portiondefining a first angle with the light emitting portion of the pluralityof LEDs and a second portion defining a second angle with the firstportion. The first angle and second angle may be different angles.

Alternatively, the side walls may extend away from a base member and maybe symmetrical about an axis of symmetry that runs through a center ofthe base member. The side walls may extend away from the base member andeach have a plurality of angles formed therein. The side walls may eachcomprise a first portion defining a first angle with the base member anda second portion defining a second angle with the first portion. Thefirst angle and second angle may be different angles, and themulti-faceted side walls may be multi-angle side walls.

The lighting strips are connected to the base plate so as to permit atleast conductive heat transfer from the lighting strips to the baseplate. Heat transfer fins may be provided on at least one side of thebase plate to conduct heat to the ambient environment. The base platemay be formed of anodized aluminum comprising an enhanced conductivenon-uniform heat-transferring surface texture. The lighting strips maybe connected to the base plate such that inter-contacting surfacesbetween the lighting strips and base plate are separated by less thanten hundredth of an inch (0.01 inches). Desirably, the inter-contactingsurfaces between the lighting strips and base plate may be separated byless than about one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inches). The lightingstrips may be mounted to mounting stages upstanding from the base plate.

In addition, a method of manufacturing a light emitting diode (LED)lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture is disclosed and detailedherein. The method generally includes the steps of providing a lightingstrip having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), each desirablycomprising a diode base and a light emitting portion; providing areflector blank; forming a plurality of linearly arranged openings inthe base member; bending the reflector blank to form a base member andmulti-faceted side walls extending away from the base member to form areflector; and associating the lighting strip with the reflector suchthat the plurality of openings respectively receive at least the lightemitting portion of the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The reflector blank may be manufactured from silver-coated aluminum witha protective polymer coating. The multi-faceted side walls may be formedas multi-angle side walls.

The side walls may be formed to have a first portion defining a firstangle with the light emitting portion of the plurality of LEDs and asecond portion defining a second angle with the first portion. The firstangle and second angle may be different angles. Alternatively, the sidewalls may be formed to be symmetrical about an axis of symmetry thatruns through a center of the base member.

The foregoing and other features and characteristics, as well as themethods of operation and functions of the related elements of structuresand the combination of parts and economies of manufacture will becomemore apparent upon consideration of the following description withreference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of thisspecification, wherein like reference numerals designate correspondingparts in the various figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a lighting fixture forexemplary use as a streetlight.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the lighting fixture of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a front view of a second embodiment of a lighting fixture forexemplary use as a streetlight.

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of the second embodiment of alighting fixture for exemplary use as a streetlight shown in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4Btaken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6A is a portion of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5 enlarged forviewing.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of a mounting clip in one embodiment.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the lighting fixture of FIGS.4A-4B.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a pole mounting assembly for use with thelighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 9 is an exploded top view of the pole mounting assembly of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10A is a top view of a light emitting diode (LED) lighting stripfor use in the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting diode (LED)lighting strip of FIG. 10A taken along line 10B-10B in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting diode (LED)lighting strip of FIG. 10A taken along line 10C-10C in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a top view of another embodiment of a light emitting diode(LED) lighting strip for use in the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting diode (LED)lighting strip of FIG. 11A taken along line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a drivercircuit for use with the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIGS. 13A-13D are schematic diagrams of an exemplary computer circuitfor use with the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary flow diagram illustrating a possible controlsequence for controlling operation of the lighting fixture of FIGS.4A-4B.

FIG. 15 is a side perspective view of the lighting fixture FIGS. 4A-4Bused as a streetlight.

FIG. 16 is cross-sectional view of the lighting emitting diode (LED)lighting strip adapted for use with the lighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4Billustrating details of a reflector associated with the lighting strip.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the lightingemitting diode (LED) lighting strip adapted for use with the lightingfixture of FIGS. 4A-4B and comprising an alternative reflector.

FIG. 18 is a top view of a blank used to manufacture the reflector ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of additional embodiment of thelighting emitting diode (LED) lighting strip adapted for use with thelighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B and comprising an additional embodimentof the reflector.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of thelighting emitting diode (LED) lighting strip adapted for use with thelighting fixture of FIGS. 4A-4B and comprising a further embodiment ofthe reflector.

FIG. 21 is a top view of a blank used to manufacture the reflector ofFIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a front view of a lighting fixture in accordance with anembodiment adapted for use as an office lighting fixture.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of the office lighting fixture of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the office lighting fixture of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of a reflector adapted for used with alight emitting diode (LED) lighting strip used in lighting fixture ofFIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms,as used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented inthe accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the followingdetailed description. However, it is to be understood that theembodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variationsand configurations. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices, features, and components illustrated in the accompanyingdrawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should notbe considered as limiting.

Generally speaking, an embodiment of the present invention involves alighting arrangement incorporating one or more lighting stripscomprising a plurality of light emitting diodes LEDs to provide a lightemitting sub-assembly or device. A lighting fixture may be provided thatincorporates the LED lighting strips and desirably utilizes a shell orhousing assembly of the lighting fixture as an integrated heat transferdevice, often described herein as a thermal radiator, therebyeffectively dissipating any heat created by the LEDs so as to preventheat buildup within the lighting fixture and, thereby, permitting theLEDs to operate more efficiently for a longer life span. Additionalembodiments are directed to amplifying reflectors that may be associatedwith the lighting strips so that light produced by the plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs) may be amplified and formed into a uniformbeam which may be a focused beam useful, for example, as a spotlight, ora diffused beam useful, for example, as an overhead streetlight orpossibly as an overhead office light. The combination of reflectors foramplifying or intensifying the light and the heat dissipation providedthrough the thermal radiation properties of the housing provides for alighting fixture adapted to provide effective light output for use as astreet light, while not overheating and reducing the life span or safetyof the street light.

With reference generally to FIGS. 1-3, features of the invention aredescribed herein with reference to a lighting fixture 1 in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. In the following example, lightingfixture 1 is described in the context of an overhead streetlight forexemplary purposes. Lighting fixture 1 generally includes a housing 2comprising a base plate 3 having a front side 5 and a rear side 7. Baseplate 3 includes at least one and, preferably, a plurality of lightemitting sub-assemblies 4, also referred to herein as a lightingarrangement, particularly an LED lighting arrangement. Each lightemitting sub-assembly 4 is comprised of a lighting strip 9, eachincluding one or more surface-mounted LEDs 11 mounted thereto, and eachlight emitting sub-assembly may further include a reflector 13 mountedin a manner extending away from the lighting strip 9, as will bedescribed in more detail herein.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-3, three lighting strips 9 aremounted to front side 5 of base plate 3. Lighting strips 9 may bemounted directly on front side 5 of base plate 3, or may be mounted to aseparate u-shaped channel or mounting stage that is directly mounted tobase plate 3, as described in more detail in connection with theembodiment of FIGS. 4-7. Each lighting strip 9 includes a plurality ofsurface-mount LEDs 11 mounted thereto, and may be constructed from anysuitable material for mounting LEDs and associated circuitry, and isdesirably constructed from aluminum. Base plate 3 and the base oflighting strip 9 may be constructed from any suitable material adaptedfor radiating and transferring thermal energy. Desirably, base plate 3and lighting strip 9 are constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy,such as aluminum alloy 1100 or aluminum alloy 3003 and, in particular,aluminum alloys subjected to an anodizing treatment. Lighting strip 9may have an exemplary overall thickness of about ⅛ inch thick, and baseplate 3 may have an exemplary thickness about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Baseplate 3 may also be formed in a representative iconic shape, such as afootball, baseball glove, hockey stick, and the like to provide adecorative beam of light.

LEDs 11 are desirably high-power LEDs such as the LUXEON® REBELmanufactured by Phillips Lumileds Lighting Company or the CREE® XLAMP®XR-E LED manufactured by Cree, Inc. Alternatively, plasma emitter bulbsmay be used instead of LEDs 11. Plasma emitter bulbs are typically thesize of a dime. Each bulb is filled with a gas and metal halidematerials. In operation, an electric field is applied to the bulb, whichionizes the gas molecules to create a gas plasma. The metal halides thencompletely join the gas plasma which emits a powerful white light. Suchplasma emitter bulbs are currently manufactured by Luxim® Corporation.

Desirably, lighting fixture 1 also includes a transparent cover 6coupled to front side 5 of base plate 3. Cover 6 may be constructed ofany suitable transparent material for passing light emitted by LEDs 11therethrough, and is desirably selected from a polymeric material suchas acrylic, ballistic acrylic, thermoplastic, polycarbonate, and thelike. One particularly suitable material is LEXAN. The material formingcover 6 is desirably shatterproof and otherwise weatherproof so as toprevent damage when exposed to the exterior environment.

Transparent cover 6 may be coupled to base plate 3 using any suitablefastening mechanism, such as using bolts 8, so long as a generallyairtight seal is maintained about the perimeter of housing 2, therebymaintaining the interior portion of lighting fixture 1 as a sealedinternal environment. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIGS.1-3, a mounting bracket in the form of mounting member 10 is coupled torear side 7 of base plate 3 for mounting of lighting fixture 1 to anappropriate surface. Mounting member 10 may comprise any general formfor mounting to a particular surface, such as a plurality of mountingholes 12 for receiving a fastening member (not shown) which allows thelighting fixture 1 to be adjustably mounted to a pole. In theillustrated exemplary embodiment, lighting fixture 1 is configured to bemounted at a height sufficient to provide adequate lighting to a streetor surface below. For instance, if lighting fixture 1 is mounted on apole at a height of 30 feet above a street, lighting fixture 1 providesa lighting pattern that extends about 50 feet from the base of the poleand about 65 feet on either side of the pole.

Each sub-assembly 4 further includes a reflector 13 mounted so as toextend from the front side 5 of base plate 3 such that side walls 41 ofreflector 13 extend at an angle from each of lighting strips 9. Eachreflector 13 desirably includes a base portion (discussed in more detailherein) with a pair of side walls 41 extending from opposite sidesthereof at an angle. Desirably, side walls 41 are integral with the baseportion of reflector 13. Reflector 13 may be constructed of anyreflective material, and may include a protective polymer coatingthereon. Desirably, the material forming each reflector 13 has areflectivity that is on the order of 95% to 98% reflective.Additionally, the polymer coating prevents corrosion on reflector 13. Anexemplary reflective material is silver-coated aluminum, which is not tobe construed as limiting, and any highly-reflective material may be usedto construct the reflector assemblies.

With specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, lighting fixture 1 furtherincludes a power supply and control circuitry (not shown) positionedwithin a rear housing 17 mounted on rear side 7 of base plate 3. Thepower supply and control circuitry are electrically coupled to theplurality of LEDs 11 to provide effective lighting control, as describedin more detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7. Housing 17may also include a window 19 with a light detector in the form of aphotoelectric eye 21 positioned thereunder. In order to efficientlytransfer light from window 19 to photoelectric eye 21, an acrylic rod orfiber optic array (not shown) may be positioned between window 19 andphotoelectric eye 21. In the present non-limiting embodiment,photoelectric eye 21 provides electronic signal(s) to the controlcircuitry which causes LEDs 11 to turn on when surrounding ambient lighthas dropped below a predetermined level as will be describedhereinafter.

An LED light (not shown) may also be mounted on rear side 7 of baseplate 3 and be coupled to the power supply and control circuitry forwhen, for example, utility workers are working on the pole where lightfixture 1 is mounted. Such a separate, rear-mounted LED provides utilityworkers with appropriate lighting above lighting fixture 1. Thisadditional LED light may be turned on manually through the use of amagnetic switch, by an infrared sensor or by an ultrasonic sensor, asexamples.

With reference to FIGS. 4-7, an alternative embodiment of a lightingfixture 101 is illustrated. Lighting fixture 101 generally includes ahousing 102 defined by a base plate 103 having a front side 105 forminga generally interior housing surface and a rear side 107 forming agenerally outer housing surface for the lighting fixture. Lightingfixture 101 includes at least one and, preferably, a plurality of lightemitting sub-assemblies 104, again also referred to herein as a lightingarrangement, particularly an LED lighting arrangement. Each lightemitting sub-assembly 104 includes a lighting strip 109 comprised of oneor more surface-mounted LEDs 111 mounted to a circuit board substrate orbase member 142 and each light emitting sub-assembly 104 may furtherinclude a reflector 141 mounted in a manner extending away from thelighting strip 109, as will be described in more detail herein. Eachlighting strip 109 is mounted either directly or indirectly to baseplate 103 in a manner permitting effective and efficient heat transferbetween the LEDs 111 mounted to base member 142 and base plate 103, aswill be described in further detail herein. It is desirable for the LEDs111 to be mounted in a linear row or arrangement so that reflector 141may effectively reflect light emitted by the LEDs 111, amplify thislight and direct the light in a manner effective for the intendedpurpose of the lighting fixture 101, for example, as use as streetlightin the instant example or for other applications such as a spotlight,office overhead light, and other applications. The reflector 141 may beconfigured to reflect and amplify the light from the LEDs 111 to achievethe light characteristics that are desired for the lighting fixture 101.

While it is noted that the number of lighting strips 109 may bedependent upon the intended use of the lighting fixture, the embodimentof FIGS. 4-7 includes four lighting strips 109, shown to be effective inthe intended use of the present lighting fixture as a streetlight.Moreover, each lighting strip 109 includes a plurality oflinearly-arranged, surface-mount LEDs 111 mounted to base member 142.Base member 142 is desirably constructed, at least in part, of a similarmaterial as base plate 103, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy,preferably an anodized aluminum alloy. In the illustrated embodiment,each lighting strip 109 includes eight linearly-arranged LEDs 111mounted to base member 142. However, this is not to be construed aslimiting, as any suitable number of LEDs 111 may be mounted to eachlighting strip 109. As with the previous embodiment, LEDs 111 aredesirably high-power LEDs such as the LUXEON® REBEL manufactured byPhillips Lumileds Lighting Company or the CREE® XLAMP® XR-E LEDmanufactured by Cree, Inc. Alternatively, plasma emitter bulbs may beused instead of LEDs 111. Such plasma emitter bulbs are currentlymanufactured by Luxim® Corporation, as noted previously.

Base plate 103 along with transparent cover 106 essentially forms thecomplete housing 102 of lighting fixture 101. Base plate 103 istypically constructed of a suitable material to structurally supportlighting fixture 101 and to provide effective protection for thecomponents and circuitry within lighting fixture 101. Moreover, baseplate 103 serves at least another purpose in that it also acts as amaterial for effectively and efficiently transferring thermal energyfrom LEDs 111 to dissipate heat therefrom, as will be further detailedherein. Briefly, it is envisioned that the interaction of base plate 103and base member 142 effectively and efficiently conducts heat away fromLEDs 111 and base plate 103 is desirably adapted to transfer the heatenergy to the ambient environment using any one or more of conductive,convective, and radiation heat transfer modes to the ambientenvironment. To achieve effective and efficient heat transfer, baseplate 103 may be constructed from any structurally supportive materialthat is adapted for transferring thermal energy. Base plate 103 isdesirably constructed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, such as aluminumalloy 1100 or aluminum alloy 3003 and, in particular, aluminum alloyssubjected to an anodizing treatment. Base plate 103 may have anexemplary thickness about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. By anodizing the aluminumused to construct base plate 103, the base plate 103 is provided with aheat-transferring surface texture, typically a non-uniform ornon-smooth, somewhat roughened surface texture that increases theability of the base plate 103 to transfer heat energy to the ambientenvironment and, accordingly, the anodizing process enhances the heatdissipating properties of base plate 103, thereby allowing it tofunction as a particularly effective and efficient heat transfer deviceor mechanism, also termed herein as a “thermal radiator”. Moreover, baseplate 103 may further include a plurality of thermal radiating fins 114on rear side 107 to provide additional surface area for convective heattransfer and dissipation to the ambient environment, such that the LEDs111 stay cool regardless of the outdoor temperature. Additionally, baseplate 103 has an outer peripheral edge 112 that is curved away from abody of the base plate 103 at an angle of approximately 90°.

Desirably, lighting fixture 101 includes a transparent cover 106.Transparent cover 106 may be manufactured from any suitable materialsuch as, but not limited to, a polymeric material, such as acrylic,ballistic acrylic, thermoplastic, polycarbonate, and the like. Cover 106is coupled with base plate 103 using any suitable mechanical fasteningarrangement, so long as a generally airtight seal is maintained aboutthe perimeter of housing 102, thereby maintaining the interior portionof lighting fixture 101 as a sealed interior environment.

With specific reference to FIGS. 6A-6B, and with continuing reference toFIGS. 4A-4B, 5 and 7A-7B, transparent cover 106 may be fitted such thatan outer edge 108 is positioned adjacent to outer peripheral edge 112 ofbase plate 103. Desirably, a gasket 113 is positioned between outer edge108 of transparent cover 106 and outer peripheral edge 112 of base plate103 to provide a generally fluid-tight seal therebetween. Transparentcover 106 may also include at least one protective vent 118. Protectivevent 118 provides an effective barrier against harsh weather conditions(e.g., rain, snow, high winds), while allowing water vapor to exiteffectively from within transparent cover 106, thereby reducing thelikelihood of condensation accumulating beneath transparent cover 106.Protective vent 118 equalizes pressure between the transparent cover andthe ambient environment and is desirably able to vent moisture thatbecomes trapped within the interior enclosure of housing 102 generallydefined by transparent cover 106 and base plate 103, while allowing onlydry air to enter into the enclosure created by transparent cover 106. Anexample of such a protective vent 118 is the GORE™ Protective Ventmanufactured by W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Once transparent cover 106 is fitted to base plate 103, a suitable clamparrangement, such as a plurality of spring clips 115, is positioned overouter edge 108 of transparent cover 106 and outer peripheral edge 111 ofbase plate 103 to fixedly hold transparent cover 106 to base plate 103.Spring clips 115 are desirably formed with securing structure 117, suchas teeth, positioned on an inner surface thereof. Spring clips 115 aredesirably adapted to allow for transparent cover 106 to be quickly andeasily removed. For example, a special tool may be provided for use withspring clips 115 to open and remove spring clips 115 from associationwith transparent cover 106 and base plate 103. It is desirable that, ifthis specialized tool is not used, securing structure 117 on springclips 115 will scratch and otherwise damage transparent cover 106 whenremoval of spring clip 115 is attempted. This visible damage totransparent cover 106 can provide clear evidence to an authorized repairtechnician that someone has tampered with lighting fixture 101.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 and with continuing reference to FIGS.4-7, a further embodiment of a mounting bracket in the form of polemounting member 119 is coupled to rear side 107 of base plate 103. Polemounting member 119 includes a first clamp member 121 and a second clampmember 123. First clamp member defines a first arcuate surface 125 andsecond clamp member defines a second, opposing arcuate surface 127.First arcuate surface 125 and second arcuate surface 127 are configuredto face one another and capture a pole (not shown) therebetween. Oncethe pole is captured between first clamp member 121 and second clampmember 123, a first bolt 129 and a second bolt 131 may be inserted andtightened thereby securing the pole between first clamp member 121 andsecond clamp member 123. First clamp member 121 and second clamp member123 desirably each have an inside surface having a waffle patternthereon. This waffle-pattern grips the pole when it is positionedbetween first clamp member 121 and second clamp member 123 therebypreventing rotation of the lighting fixture 101 relative to the pole.First clamp member 121 and second clamp member 123 each also define apair of arcuate slots 133, 135. Arcuate slots 133, 135 are configured toreceive respective bars 137. Mounting bars 137 are designed to movewithin arcuate slots 133, 135 to allow lighting fixture 101 to beangularly adjusted for use in directing light output from lightingfixture 101. In a typical mounting scenario, lighting fixture 101 ismounted to an extension pole extending from an upstanding pole (such asa telephone-style pole) and it is desired that lighting fixture 101 bepositioned with the transparent cover 106 thereof facing downward andgenerally parallel to the ground surface, thereby directing light outputdirectly downwardly. The arrangement of mounting bars 137 and arcuateslots 133, 135 provide lighting fixture to be mounted in such a mannerregardless of the angle that the extension pole extends from theupstanding pole, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Itis also contemplated that alternative mounting clamps may be utilizedwith the present lighting fixture, depending upon the particularinstallation application.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, and with continuing reference toFIGS. 4-7, lighting fixture 101 includes a plurality of light emittingsub-assemblies 104 including LED lighting strips 109 on front side 105of base plate 103. Each lighting strip 109 includes a plurality ofsurface-mount LEDs 111 mounted onto circuit board or base member 142 inelectrical contact/connection therewith and a reflector 141 mountedthereto. In the present embodiment, reflector 141 defines multiplefacets formed therein that amplify the light provided by LEDs 111 aswill be discussed in greater detail hereinafter. Such facts may beangled formations in the body of the reflector 141 but reflector 141 isnot intended to be limited to such facets. Facets should be read broadlyin connection with this disclosure as a formation(s) in the body ofreflector 141 that amplify the light output of the LEDs 111 and directthe amplified and desirably uniform light outward from the light fixture101 for any desirable application. This sets forth certain exemplary andnon-limiting applications for light fixture 101 such as street-lightingor office overhead lighting, as mentioned previously. It is noted thatin FIG. 4B, reflectors 141 are omitted for clarity purposes.

The incorporation of LEDs into conventional lighting fixtures can beproblematic due to excessive heat build-up within the lighting fixture,which can deleteriously affect performance and lifespan of the LEDs.Lighting fixtures 1, 101 in accordance with this disclosure exhibiteffective and efficient dissipation of the heat generated by LEDs 11,111. In particular, this heat dissipation is accomplished utilizing theentire housing of the lighting fixture 1, 101 as a heat transfer devicewhich effectively transfers heat energy generated LEDs 1, 111 to theexternal environment. In the foregoing, it was noted that base plate 103may be formed of specific materials having suitable heat transfercharacteristics and this material may be anodized and coated to providea surface texture on the base plate 103 having enhanced heattransferring properties. Heat-transfer fins 114 are also provided onbase plate 103 for improving heat transferring attributes of base plate103. A further aspect of the heat transferring ability of light fixture101 in particular is the arrangement of LEDs 111 with circuit board basemember 142 and the mounting of the base member 142 to the base plate103. As described next herein, this arrangement enhances the heattransfer from LEDs 111 to base plate 103.

More particularly, as noted previously, each lighting strip 109 includesa singular line of LEDs 111 mounted onto base member 142. Base member142 is desirably constructed of the same material as base plate 103. Asshown in FIGS. 10A-10C, base member 142 represents a circuit substratefor LEDs 111, including a metallic base supporting substrate layer 142a, such as anodized aluminum oxide, with a non-conductive layer 142 b ona surface thereof, such as a ceramic layer or enamel layer. Electroniccircuitry is then printed onto the non-conductive layer 142 b, with asecond non-conductive layer positioned over the circuitry. Such aconfiguration is generally known in the semi-conductor art and theillustration of metallic base supporting substrate layer 142 a andnon-conductive layer 142 b is for explanatory purposes only. If desired,a fiberglass layer may also be provided between the circuitry and thesecond non-conductive layer. The LEDs 111 are mounted to the surface ofbase member 142 in electrical contact with the circuitry therein,thereby forming each lighting strip 109.

Reflector 141 is further mounted on the surface of base member 142, withLEDs 111 extending through openings 144 through the base portion ofreflector 141. In particular, each reflector 141 comprises opposed sidewalls defining facets, as mentioned previously; various embodiments ofreflector 141 are described herein but each such embodiment is generallyin the form of an elongated channel structure having a base portion ormember and side walls defining said facets. The base portion or memberis desirably positioned flush with the top surface of base member 142 oflighting strip 109 and is mounted thereon using suitable fasteningmeans, such as an adhesive, bolts, rivets, and the like. As noted,reflector 141 defines openings 144 through the base portion such thatwhen reflector 141 is mounted to base member 142, light from LEDs 111can reflect off the interior surfaces of the side walls of the reflector141, as will be described in greater detail with reference to thereflector embodiments depicted in FIGS. 16-21. Each lighting strip 109with reflector 141 mounted thereto thereby forms each light emittingsub-assembly 104. Each lighting strip 109 also includes an electricalconnector 149 that allows the lighting strip 109 of the light emittingsub-assembly 104 to be operatively connected to a driver circuit 150. Aswill be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, driver circuit 150divides the power output from a power supply 151 equally among theplurality of lighting strips 109, such as four lighting strips 109 inthe instant embodiment, with little to no variation in amperage betweenthe respective lighting strips 109. This division is effective inextending the lifespan of LEDs 111.

Returning to the heat transfer attributes of lighting fixture 101, baseplate 103 of entire housing 102 forms a mechanism for dissipatingthermal energy to the ambient environment, essentially creating a heattransfer mechanism for dissipating heat generated by the LEDs 111 ineach lighting strip 109. An aspect of the mounting of LEDs 111 onlighting strip 109 is that there is significant physical contact betweenthe bottom surface of lighting strip 109 and base plate 103 whichprovides robust heat transfer between the lighting strip 109 and baseplate 103 and heat produced the LEDs 111 on the lighting strip 109 iseffectively conducted to base plate 103 for transfer to the ambientenvironment. Accordingly, in summary, the housing 102 of lightingfixture 101 acts as a thermal radiating mechanism or device inaccordance with this disclosure. To further explain the foregoing,direct physical contact between the portion of lighting strip 109 andbase plate 103 generally comprises base member 142 being in significantsurface area contact with base plate 103 such that any gap between theinter-contacting surfaces is less than one hundredth of an inch (0.01inches), and preferably less than about one thousandth of an inch (0.001inches). This inter-contacting surface engagement is effective inachieving the desired heat transfer from the respective lighting strips109 to base plate 103. Accordingly, this disclosure contemplates theforegoing-described engagement of each lighting strip 109 with baseplate 103 to achieve the desired cooling of LEDs 111. As noted, basemember 142 for each lighting strip 109 may be mounted directly to baseplate 103 or indirectly to base plate 103 by some intervening structure.Any such intervening structure is desirably connected to base plate 103so as not to inhibit substantially the heat transfer between base member142 and base plate 103 of housing 102.

In order to secure and maintain the substantial surface area contactbetween each lighting strip 109 and base plate 103 for each of the lightemitting sub-assemblies 104, conventional fastening methods may be usedto mount the respective lighting strips 109 to the front side 105 ofbase plate 103. Such conventional fastening methods include, forexample, using mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts or rivets,conductive adhesives, welding, or other known attachment means. Incertain embodiments, portions of light emitting sub-assembly 104 may beinterconnected using mechanical fasteners that extend below the bottomsurface of the sub-assembly 104, such that the bottom surface of thethus-prepared light emitting sub-assembly 104 includes a discontinuoussurface. For example, reflector 141 may be attached to lighting strip109 through a rivet, which extends through respective holes in basemember 142 of lighting strip 109 below the bottom thereof creating aprotrusion, thereby preventing the bottom surface of lighting strip 109from providing a smooth surface for direct contact with a separatesurface, such as base plate 103. In such embodiments, it is contemplatedthat a separate mounting bracket may be used to support the lightingstrips 109 on base plate 103 so as to maintain effective contact forheat transfer, and such intervening structure should not inhibit heattransfer from the lighting strips 109 to the base plate 103 inaccordance with this disclosure. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4-5,lighting strips 109 may be mounted to a separate mounting stage 148,such as in the form of a u-shaped channel, which is directly mounted tobase plate 103. In particular, base plate 103 may include a series ofmounting stages 148 as a u-shaped channel that is unitarily formed withbase plate 103 or otherwise connected thereto, such as through welding,for providing effective heat transfer therebetween. Mounting stages 148desirably conduct heat energy effectively and efficiently from lightingstrips 109 to the main body of base plate 103.

Moreover, each lighting strip 109 may further be mounted onto a separatemounting member 143. In particular, each light emitting sub-assembly 104may further include a mounting member 143 acting as a support plate formounting base member 142 of lighting strip 109 (including electricallyconnected LEDs 111) thereto. Mounting member 143 may be formed of anysuitable material adapted for providing structural support to lightingstrip 109, and is desirably formed of the same material as base member142 of lighting strip 109, such as an anodized aluminum alloy, havingthe desirable heat transfer characteristics described previously.Mounting member 143 generally has the same thickness as base member 142,and is desirably of the same general length as base member 142 anddesirably has a width greater than 1.5 times that of base member 142and, more desirably, a width equal to or greater than two times that ofbase member 142. In this manner, any protrusion formed from a fasteningmember extending through base member 142 will be offset from theattachment between mounting member 143 and stage 148. Thus, lightemitting sub-assembly 104 may be effectively attached to base plate 103via stage 148 with substantially the entire bottom surface of lightingstrip 109 contacting mounting member 143, and with mounting member 143effectively contacting the entire upper surface of stage 148.Accordingly, stage 148 provides a mechanism for offset attachment oflight emitting sub-assembly 104 so as to provide for sufficient contactbetween mounting member 143 and the upper surface of stage 148 foreffect thermal transfer.

In addition, the general shape of stage 148 (shown as a general u-shape)can further provide a mechanism for additional surface area for heattransfer so as to further dissipate heat generated by LEDs 111 throughmounting member 143. In such embodiments, mounting member 143 (includinglighting strip 109 attached thereto) may be connected to stage 148 inany known manner. In one particular embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4 and10A, mounting member 143 defines a plurality of spaced grooves 145formed along one longitudinal end thereof. Each of the grooves 145 isconfigured to receive a fastening member 147 to mount lighting strip 109to stage 148 and, thereby, to the front side 105 of base plate 103. Byproviding a plurality of grooves in a spaced manner, a plurality offastening members can be used to mount lighting strip 109, therebyensuring proper contact between the bottom surface area of mountingmember 143 and stage 148 to provide effective heat transfertherebetween, which is effectively accomplished by limiting the gapbetween the bottom surface of mounting member 143 and the top surface ofstage 148 to less than about 0.01 inches.

It will be appreciated from, for example, FIG. 5 that each of thelighting strips 109 is mounted to an individual stages 148 provided onthe front side 105 of base plate 103. By mounting lighting strips 109 tosuch individual stages 148, the individual lighting strips 109 caneasily be mounted or removed from base plate 103 expediting replacementof a defective and/or damaged lighting strip 109. Accordingly, inaddition to providing effective heat transfer between LED lightingstrips 109 to base plate 103, the foregoing mounting configurationallows for a quick and easy change of LED lighting strips 109, forexample, if one of LED lighting strips 109 is damaged or defective. Itis known that in conventional incandescent lighting fixtures,replacement of a worn out or defective lamp involves mere replacement ofthe bulb unit. LED lights, however, represent circuit chips that areelectrically mounted onto a circuit board. Accordingly, replacement of aworn or defective LED chip involves replacement of the entire LED board.The attachment and mounting configuration contemplated through thevarious embodiments in this disclosure provides a mechanism for quickand easy replacement of one or more LED lighting strips 109, withoutrequiring significant modification or rebuilding of the lightingfixture. Moreover, by providing multiple strips of LEDs in a singlefixture, if one LED light or strip fails, the fixture will still be ableto provide light output through the remaining functional lightingstrips, albeit at a reduced level, until such time that themalfunctioning lighting strip or individual lighting assembly can bereplaced.

In particular, in order to gain access to the interior of the lightingfixture, 101, transparent cover 106 is removed by removal of clamps 115.Fastening members 147 positioned in grooves 145 can then be loosened andremoved using an appropriate tool. Next, the defective or damaged LEDlighting strip 109 is removed from front side 105 of base plate 103.Then, electrical connector 149 is disconnected from driver circuit 150.Finally, a new LED lighting strip 109 is supplanted for the defective ordamaged LED lighting strip 109. Transparent cover 106 is thenreassembled to base plate 103.

In a variation shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, lighting strips 109 may beconfigured to be mounted to stages 148 in a slightly different mannerLighting strip 109 of FIGS. 11A-11B is identical to that disclosed inprevious embodiments, with the exception that “keyhole” shaped openings156 extend through the surface of lighting strip 109. Such keyholeopenings 156 provide a mechanism for attachment of lighting strip 109 tobase plate 103 of housing 102. In particular, in such an embodiment,mechanical fasteners, such as screws, may be inserted into keyholeopenings 156 and extend through corresponding openings 158 in underlyingmounting member 143 to engage a stage 148 on base plate 103. Themechanical engagement is desirably sufficient to enable effective andefficient heat transfer between the lighting strip 109 and base plate103. The keyhole openings 156 allow lateral adjustment of lighting strip109 relative to mounting member 143 to allow for proper attachment of areflector 141 to the lighting strip 109. Moreover, a plurality of spacedfasteners are desirably used so as provide for effective surfacecontacting engagement between the bottom surface of lighting strip 109and the top surface of stage 148 on base plate 103 for effective heattransfer therebetween, as discussed previously. It will be clear thatthe use of individual stages 148 for mounting the respective lightingstrips 109 to base plate 103 may be eliminated such that the lightingstrips 109 are mounted directly to base plate 103.

With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, and with continuing reference toFIGS. 4-7, lighting fixture 101 includes a power supply 151, drivercircuit 150 and computer circuit 160. Power supply 151 is desirablypositioned within a housing 153 mounted on rear side 107 of base plate103. Driver circuit 150 and computer circuit 160 are desirably mountedon front side 105 of base plate 103 beneath transparent cover 106,thereby providing effective protection from the environment. Powersupply 151 is electrically coupled to a control board in the form ofcomputer circuit 160 via a wire 155 extending through base plate 103.Computer circuit 160 is, in turn, coupled to a driver circuit board 150.Driver circuit 150 is electrically coupled to each lighting strip 109via individual electrical connectors 149. Driver circuit 150 divides thepower output from a power supply 151 equally among the four lightingstrips 109 in the present embodiment. Driver circuit 150 is electricallycoupled to and controlled by computer circuit 160 to control operationof the individual lighting strips 109.

Each individual LED 111 is electrically connected in series on eachrespective lighting strip 109. Moreover, each respective lighting stripis connected in parallel to driver circuit 150. Such an arrangementprovides the driver circuit 150 with the ability to maintain theamperage constant even in the event that one or more LEDs 111 in any ofthe respective lighting strips 109 should fail. Such an arrangement alsoprevents an overload of power to any of the lighting strips 109 or otherLEDs 111 thereon in the event of such a failure of one or more LEDs,thereby preventing premature burn out and failure of the remainingworking LEDs, such as to prior to replacement of and individual lightingstrip 109.

When lighting fixture 101 is used as a street lighting fixture, as anexample, a light detector is desirably provided in association with thelight fixture 101. In one exemplary form, the light detector comprises aphotoelectric eye 170 that is mounted on housing 153 of power supply 151and is electrically coupled to computer circuit 160. Photoelectric eye170 is provided to turn on the LEDs 111 when surrounding ambient lighthas dropped below a predetermined level as will be describedhereinafter. An exemplary embodiment of computer circuit 160 isillustrated in FIG. 13. Computer circuit 160 utilizes a microcontrollerchip 1300 as the primary means for controlling the light output bylighting fixture 101. However, this is not to be construed as limitingas the use of other circuitry configurations, microprocessors, andmicrocontrollers may be substituted. Likewise an exemplary embodiment ofdriver circuit 150 is illustrated in FIG. 12.

As may be inferred from the foregoing, computer circuit 160 is providedfor automated control of various functions of lighting fixture 101. Forexample, computer circuit 160 may include circuitry for controlling aremote camera (not shown) that may be provided with lighting fixture101. Additionally, computer circuit 160 may include circuitry forinteraction with a separate wireless device that is adapted forprogramming the control board for operation of the lighting fixture. Forexample, computer circuit 160 may include circuitry to communicate witha separate remote control device via two-way radio-frequency (RF) so asto program the lighting fixture 101. Other communication vehicles forcommunication with computer circuit 160, such as via infrared (IR)light, are intended to be encompassed by this disclosure. Moreover,lighting fixture 101 may include a solar-power capability for poweringcomputer circuit 160 and lighting strips 109.

Desirably, computer circuit 160 works in conjunction with photoelectriceye 170 to automatically turn exemplary street lighting fixture 101 onand off based on ambient light conditions, and to adjust the lighting atpredetermined time periods. With reference to FIG. 14, the on-off andpower adjustment features of lighting fixture 101 are schematicallyillustrated. First, power is supplied to computer circuit 160 therebyinitializing the computer circuit 160 at block 1400. Next, at block1410, photoelectric eye 170 looks for diminished ambient light,signaling, for example, the arrival of dusk, if the lighting fixture 101is intended for use as a street lamp, and this information is providedas an input to computer circuit 160. Once sufficiently diminished light(such as at dusk), as detected by photoelectric eye 170, is determinedby computer circuit 160, the computer circuit 160 turns lighting fixture101 on at full power at block 1420.

As an option, at blocks 1430 and 1440, after a predetermined period oftime, the power of the light output may be reduced by a predeterminedamount for further energy conservation, for example, in the middle ofthe night when fewer people are likely to be in the vicinity of streetlighting fixture 101. For example, if computer circuit 160 turns on thelighting fixture 101 at, for example, dusk, a counter in the computercircuit 160 may begin counting. After a preprogrammed period of time haselapsed, such as six hours, the computer circuit 160 may reduce power tothe LEDs 111 to save power. As another alternative, computer circuit 160may be programmed to turn on the lighting fixture 109 at a scheduledtime, such as at 6:00 PM. Then, after a preprogrammed period of time haselapsed, power to the LEDs is reduced by a certain amount, therebyproviding for reduced light output and reducing power consumption. Theamount of power reduction may be programmed in advance, for example, byreducing power consumption to about 25% to 75% of the full power outputat selected point in time after the counting has begun. With the presentlighting fixture 101, it has been discovered that the power reduction tolight output ratio is not a 1:1 ratio, such that, for example, a 50%reduction in power output continues to provide for an overall lightoutput of the lighting fixture of about 75% of the normal light output,thereby resulting in only about a 25% reduction in light output with a50% reduction in power.

Thereafter, at block 1450, photoelectric eye 170 looks for increasedambient light signaling, for example, the arrival of dawn. Oncesufficient ambient light (such as at dawn) is detected by photoelectriceye 170 at block 1460, LEDs 111 of lighting fixture 101 are turned offby the computer circuit 160 and the process returns to block 1410. Inaccordance with the foregoing, by reducing power by 25% to 75% afterlighting fixture 101 has been on for a predetermined period of time, asavings of up to 90% of power over a current mercury vapor streetlightor high pressure sodium streetlight can be achieved. Additionally, thisprocess extends the life of LEDs 111.

In addition, the controller of computer circuit 160 also provides asafety start feature. The safety start feature allows the LEDs 111 toturn on slowly over a predetermined time interval. The LEDs 111 start atan off position. Once the computer circuit 160 sends a signal to turn onthe LEDs 111, the LEDs are turned on at a low power and the power isgradually increased over a predetermined period, such as a 2 to 3 secondinterval, until full power is reached. The purpose of this safety startfeature is to protect the human eye from sudden brightness created whenthe LEDs 111 are turned on at full power. This feature also prevents“welder's flash” when the LEDs 111 are turned on.

With reference to FIG. 15, and continuing reference to FIGS. 4-7, anexemplary use of lighting fixture 101 is as a streetlight 180. Lightingfixture 101 is configured to be mounted by pole mounting member 119 to apole 181 at a height sufficient to provide adequate lighting to a street183 or surface below. For instance, if lighting fixture 101 is mountedon a pole at a height of about 30 feet above a street, lighting fixture101 provides a lighting pattern that extends about 50 feet from the baseof the pole and about 65 feet on either side of the pole. It is furthercontemplated that lighting fixture 101 can be adapted for otherattachment mechanisms, such as a rectangular pole, a surface mount, etc.

In the foregoing use of lighting fixture 101 as a streetlight, theinventors have determined that for providing effective light output at aconventional distance for a streetlight (such as about 25-40 feet fromthe ground surface), four lighting strips 109 including 8 separate LEDchips mounted thereon is particularly useful, with each LED chip ratedat 80-120 lumens. For example, the light output with such an arrangementhaving individual LED chips rated at 107 lumens each represents about2.5 foot-candles at a distance of 32 feet without any reflectorsattached to the lighting strips. When the reflectors are attached to thelighting strips, a similar arrangement with individual LED chips ratedat 107 lumens each represents about 6.7 foot-candles at a distance of 32feet. Accordingly, the reflector arrangement significantly amplifies andintensifies the light output for the lighting fixture 101.

Lighting fixture 101 may be assembled by the following general andnon-limiting procedure. First, driver circuit 150 and control circuit160 are mounted to base plate 103 and electrically interconnected. Then,lighting strips 109 are mounted to base plate 103 via the individualmounting members 143 and/or stages 148 and using suitable fasteningmeans such as mechanical fasteners and the like. Next, each lightingstrip 109 is electrically coupled to driver circuit 150 by individualelectrical connectors 149. Next, individual reflectors 141 are mountedonto lighting strips 109 as discussed hereinafter with reference to FIG.16. Transparent cover 106 may then be positioned over base plate 103 andsecured thereto with spring clips 115. Pole mounting member 119 ismounted to rear side 107 of base plate 103, and is adapted to cooperatewith pole 181 as shown in FIG. 15. Power supply 151 is installed withinhousing 153 and is electrically connected to control circuit 160 throughbase plate 103, and light detector 170 is attached to housing 153 andelectrically connected to control circuit 160.

With reference to FIG. 16, a cross-sectional view of an exemplarylighting strip 109 having LEDs 111 mounted thereon and a reflectorassembly 141 extending therefrom is illustrated. In this exemplaryembodiment, the reflector assembly includes a base member 184 and a pairof desirably integral side walls 185 extend from opposite sides of thebase member 184 at an angle. Each LED 111 includes a light emittingportion 187. Reflector assembly 141 is mounted to lighting strip 109such that a bottom edge of each side wall 185 extends from a bottomportion of light emitting portion 187 of LED 111. Each side wall 185 ofreflector assembly 141 includes a first facet or first portion 186defining a first angle 0 with the base portion 184 of reflector 141adjacent the bottom portion of light emitting portion 187 of LED 111,and a second facet or second portion 188 that defines a second angle Φwith first portion 186. The combination of these angles creates facetsin side walls 185, thereby creating a multi-faceted side wall whichamplifies the light provided by LEDs 111. It is contemplated that themultiple facets reflect the light that is output from the LEDs backtoward other facets of the walls of reflector 141, thereby amplifyingthe light. However, this is not to be construed as limiting as thisdefinition of a multi-faceted reflector may also include reflectorshaving a parabolic shape. In addition, the arrangement of reflector 141extending from base member 184 allows all of the light produced by LEDs111 to be reflected and amplified by reflector 141. The angles in sidewalls 185 of reflector 141 along with the arrangement of reflector 141such that it extends from the bottom portion of light emitting portion187 of LED 111 allows lighting fixture 101 to produce useable lightwhile using a small number of LEDs 111 (e.g., the exemplary embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4 has eight LEDs 111 per lighting strip 109 and fourlighting strips 109 for a total of thirty-two LEDs 111).

With reference to FIGS. 17 through 21, exemplary alternative reflectorsfor use with lighting fixture 1 and lighting fixture 101 areillustrated. FIG. 17 provides a cross-sectional view of a firstreflector, generally denoted as reference numeral 200 that is alsodesirably used when lighting fixture 1 or lighting fixture 101 is usedas a streetlight but provides a different effect from the previouslydiscussed embodiment. Reflector 200 includes a base portion or member201 with a pair of integral side walls 203 extending from opposite sidesthereof at an angle. Base member 201 includes a plurality of holes 205used to fasten reflector 200 to lighting strip 9 or lighting strip 109using any suitable fastening means. Base member 201 also defines aplurality of gaps or openings 207 formed therein. Base member 201 ofreflector 200 is mounted over one of the lighting strips 9 or lightingstrips 109 such that surface-mount LEDs 11 or LEDs 111 positioned onlighting strips 9 or strips 109 extend through gaps 207 and side walls203 of reflector 200 extend at an angle from lighting strip 9 or strip109.

Each of side walls 203 of reflector 200 has several angles therein asshown in FIG. 17. Each side wall 203 of reflector 200 includes a firstportion 209 that extends from base member 201 at a first angle θ of, forexample, about 115° to about 130°, such as about 123°. Side walls 203further include a second portion 211 that defines a second angle Φ withthe first portion 209; this angle is approximately between 160° to about180°, such as about 170°. Finally, side walls 203, in the presentconfiguration, include a third portion 213 that defines a third angle αwith the second portion 211; this angle is again about 160° to about180°, such as about 170°. This configuration creates an overall angle ofabout 40° between ends 215 of each of side walls 203 of reflector 200.The combination of these angles creates facets in the reflector whichamplify the light provided by LEDs 11 or LEDs 111. In addition, sidewalls 203 of reflector assemblies 200 amplifies the light from each ofthe plurality of strips 9 or strips 109 of LEDs 11 or LEDs 111 andspreads the light into what appears to be a wash or bath of light.

Reflector 200 is desirably constructed from a sheet of silver-coatedaluminum with a protective polymer coating. Such a material has areflectivity that is from about 95% to 98% reflective. Additionally, thepolymer coating prevents corrosion on reflector 200. However, the use ofsilver-coated aluminum reflectors is not to be construed as limiting asany highly-reflective material may be used to construct the reflectorassemblies. Once the sheet of silver-coated aluminum is obtained, eachreflector 200 is cut from the sheet desirably using a laser therebyforming a reflector blank, denoted generally as reference numeral 217.Reflector blank 217 is a flat sheet that that shaped to form side walls203 extending from base member 201, and a plurality of holes 205 and aplurality of gaps 207 are cut in the reflector blank 217 using, forexample, a laser. Reflector blank 217 is then bent into the shapediscussed hereinabove using a brake press.

With reference to FIG. 19, another possible configuration for areflector is shown. This reflector 300 includes a base portion or member301 with a pair of integral side walls 303 extending from opposite sidesthereof at an angle. Each of side walls 303 of reflector 300 has severalangles therein as shown in FIG. 19. Each side wall 303 of reflector 300includes a first portion 305 that extends from lighting strip 9 or strip109 at an initial or first angle θ of, for example, about 115° to about130°, such as about 121°. Side walls 305 of reflector 300 furtherinclude a second portion 307 that defines a second angle Φ with thefirst portion 305; this angle is approximately between 160° to about180°, such as about 170°. This configuration creates an overall angle ofabout 60° between ends 309 of each side wall 303 of reflector 300.

The combination of these angles creates facets in side walls 303 ofreflector 300 which amplify the light provided by LEDs 11 or LEDs 111.In addition, side walls 303 of reflector 300 direct the light from eachof the plurality of lighting strips 9 of LEDs 11 or strips 109 of LEDs111 and focus the light into what outwardly appears to be a uniform beamof light. Reflector assemblies 300 are constructed from silver-coatedaluminum with a protective polymer coating as described previously.

With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, yet another possible configurationfor a reflector is shown and is denoted generally as reference numeral400. This reflector 400 includes a base portion or member 401 with apair of integral side walls 403 extending from opposite sides thereof atan angle. Each side wall 403 of reflector 400 has several angles thereinas shown in FIG. 20. Each side wall 403 of reflector 400 includes afirst portion 405 that extends from base member 401 at a first angle θof, for example, about 110° to about 120°, such as about 115°. Sidewalls 403 further include a second portion 407 that defines a secondangle Φ with the first portion 405; this angle is, for example, about170° to about 180°, such as about 177°. The combination of the foregoingangles creates facets in the reflector 400 that amplify the lightprovided by LEDs 11 or LEDs 111. In addition, side walls 403 ofreflector assemblies 400 direct the light from each of the plurality oflighting strips 9 of LEDs 11 or strips 109 of LEDs 111 and focus thelight into what outwardly appears to be a uniform beam of light.Reflector assemblies 400 are also constructed from silver-coatedaluminum with a protective polymer coating in like manner to previousembodiments.

While FIGS. 17-21 illustrate possible configurations of the reflectorassemblies, this is not to be construed as limiting the presentinvention as other suitable configurations may be constructed. Variousother types of reflectors for use in LED lighting fixtures have beenenvisioned. For instance, the reflectors may be of a rounded-type withmultiple facet angles.

With reference to FIGS. 22-24, a lighting fixture 501, for use as officelighting, includes a base plate 503 having a front side 505 and a rearside 507 defined by a periphery 512. Three strips 509 are mounted onfront side 505 of base plate 503. Each strip 509 includes a plurality ofsurface-mount LEDs 511 mounted thereto. Base plate 503 functions as aheat sink for LEDs 511 and is oversized compared to lighting strips 509to ensure that LEDs 511 stay cool; base plate 503 has the same heatcooling attributes of base plate 103 discussed previously and theprevious discussion of base plate 103 is equally applicable to baseplate 503. Base plate 503 provides surface area for cooling LEDs 511which extends LED life. Lighting fixture 500 is typically intended forindoor use. Accordingly, a sealed cover is not required. A housing 521is mounted to front side 501 of base plate 503, which also houses apower supply and driver circuitry and a lens cover (not shown). Thehousing itself is used for installing the fixture in office ceilings andthe like.

With reference to FIG. 25, and with continuing reference to FIGS. 22-24,reflectors 513 is mounted to front side 505 of base plate 503 such thatside walls 517 extend from each of the lighting strips 509. Eachreflector 513 includes a base portion or member 515 with a pair ofintegral side walls 517 extending from opposite sides thereof at anangle. Base member 515 of reflector 513 is mounted on front side 505 ofbase plate 503 over one of the strips 509 such that surface-mount LEDs511 positioned on strips 509 extend through gaps or openings formed inbase 515, and side walls 517 of reflector 513 extend at an angle fromeach of the lighting strips 519. Each side wall 517 of reflector 513extends from base member 515 at an angle θ of, for example, about 115°.This configuration creates an overall angle of about, for example, 90°between ends 519 of each side wall 517 of reflector 513. Side walls 517of reflector 513 amplify the light provided by LEDs 511. In addition,side walls 517 of reflector 513 direct the light from each of the threestrips 509 of LEDs 511 and focus the light into what appears to be auniform beam of light. Reflectors 513 are desirably constructed fromsilver-coated aluminum with a protective polymer coating in like mannerto previous embodiments.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements. Furthermore, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A light emitting diode (LED) lightingarrangement for a lighting fixture, comprising: a lighting stripcomprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged along asubstantially planar surface of the lighting strip; a firstmulti-faceted side wall reflector extending along the lightingarrangement adjacent a first side of the lighting strip at an angle suchthat the first multi-faceted side wall reflector extends along an entirelength of the lighting strip and away from a bottom portion of a lightemitting portion of each of the light emitting diodes (LEDs); and asecond multi-faceted side wall reflector extending along the lightingarrangement adjacent a second, opposite side of the lighting strip at anangle such that the second multi-faceted side wall reflector extendsalong an entire length of the lighting strip away from the bottomportion of the light emitting portion of each of the light emittingdiodes (LEDs), wherein the first and second multi-faceted side wallreflectors cause light produced by the plurality of light emittingdiodes (LEDs) to be amplified and formed into a uniform beam.
 2. Thelight emitting diode (LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixtureas claimed in claim 1, wherein the light emitting diodes (LEDs) arearranged in a linear row along the length of the lighting strip.
 3. Thelight emitting diode (LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixtureas claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second multi-faceted sidewall reflectors extend away from a base member defining a plurality ofopenings receiving at least a light emitting portion of the plurality oflight emitting diodes (LEDs), respectively.
 4. The light emitting diode(LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3,wherein the first and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors areformed integral with the base member.
 5. The light emitting diode (LED)lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3,wherein the first and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors comprisemulti-angle side walls.
 6. The light emitting diode (LED) lightingarrangement for a lighting fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefirst and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors extend away from abase member and are symmetrical about an axis of symmetry that runsthrough a center of the base member.
 7. The light emitting diode (LED)lighting arrangement for a lighting fixture as claimed in claim 6,wherein the first and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors eachcomprise a first portion defining a first angle with the base member anda second portion defining a second angle with the first portion.
 8. Thelight emitting diode (LED) lighting arrangement for a lighting fixtureas claimed in claim 7, wherein the first angle and second angle aredifferent angles.
 9. The light emitting diode (LED) lighting arrangementfor a lighting fixture as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first andsecond multi-faceted side wall reflectors comprise multi-angle sidewalls.
 10. A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture, comprising: abase plate having a front side and a rear side; a plurality of lightingstrips mounted on the front side of the base plate, each of the lightingstrips comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) arrangedalong a length of the lighting strip; and driver circuitry and controlcircuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes(LEDs) for providing power to the light emitting diodes (LEDs), whereineach of the lighting strips includes: a first multi-faceted side wallreflector extending from a first side of the lighting strip at an anglesuch that the first multi-faceted side wall reflector extends along anentire length of the lighting strip and away from a bottom portion of alight emitting portion of each of the light emitting diodes (LEDs); asecond multi-faceted side wall reflector extending from a second,opposite side of the lighting strip at an angle such that the secondmulti-faceted side wall reflector extends along an entire length of thelighting strip away from the bottom portion of the light emittingportion of each of the light emitting diodes (LEDs), and wherein thefirst and second multi-faceted side wall reflectors cause light producedby the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) to be amplified andformed into a uniform beam.
 11. The light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein the driver circuitry and controlcircuitry are mounted on the front side of the base plate, and furthercomprising a power supply mounted on the rear side of the base plate.12. The light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture as claimed in claim11, wherein the power supply is electrically connected to the controlcircuitry, the control circuitry is electrically connected to the drivercircuitry, and the driver circuitry is electrically connected to each ofthe plurality of lighting strips.
 13. The light emitting diode (LED)lighting fixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein each light emittingdiode (LED) of each lighting strip is electrically connected in series,and each lighting strip is electrically connected to the drivercircuitry in parallel.
 14. The light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein each plurality of lightingstrips is individually removably mounted to the base plate, so as topermit individual replacement of each lighting strip irrespective of theother lighting strips.
 15. The light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture as claimed in claim 10, wherein the light emitting diodes (LEDs)in each of the lighting strips are arranged in a linear row along thelength of the lighting strip.
 16. A light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture, comprising: a substantially planar base plate having a frontside and a rear side; a plurality of lighting strips connected to thebase plate so as to permit at least conductive heat transfer from thelighting strips to the base plate; and a reflector mounted to each ofthe lighting strips and comprising multi-faceted side walls extendingaway from the lighting strip such that the multi-faceted side wallscause light produced by the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) tobe amplified and formed into a uniform beam, wherein physical contactbetween the bottom surface of the lighting strips and the base plateprovides heat transfer between the lighting strips and the base platesuch that heat produced by the plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)on the lighting strip to be conducted to the base plate for transfer tothe ambient environment.
 17. The light emitting diode (LED) lightingfixture as claimed in claim 16, further comprising heat transfer fins onat least one side of the base plate to conduct heat to the ambientenvironment.
 18. The light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture asclaimed in claim 16, wherein the base plate is formed of aluminum. 19.The light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture as claimed in claim 18,wherein the base plate is formed of anodized aluminum comprising anenhanced conductive non-uniform heat-transferring surface texture. 20.The light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture as claimed in claim 16,wherein inter-contacting surfaces between the lighting strips and baseplate are separated by less than about one hundredth of an inch (0.01inches).